he was shipped off to live with an uncle in california. did you have any musical education as a kid? >> none. none. no, i didn't. but i could play enough to write. ♪ just an old-fashioned love song ♪ ♪ playing on the radio it's as complicated as anything beethoven ever wrote. >> reporter: his breakthrough hit would come from a tune that was never meant for the radio. we've only just begun had all the romantic beginnings of a banning commercial ♪ ♪ we've only just begun to live ♪ >> reporter: but the carpenters happened to see the ad. ♪ we've only just begun to live ♪ >> and then an angel sang it and everything changed. ♪ white lace and promises >> reporter: then the flood gates opened. three dog night. >> reporter: helen ready. ♪ you and me against the world ♪ >> reporter: and david bowie. ♪ fill your heart with love today ♪ >> reporter: would all record paul williams' songs. do you have a favorite among all those >> rainbow connection has to be my favorite song that i've ever written. ♪ so many songs about rain